For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.
Monday, March 8, 2010
The strangest eyes - Hover fly (Eristalinus taeniops)
This is a hover fly Eristalinus taeniops which feeds on pollen and nectar. They are bee mimics and although they buzz around aggressively, they are harmless.
Except for the eyes these look like the drone fly or bulb fly found here in the summer. Most are larger than a honeybee but are similar in all other ways. See them here on my Flickr account.
One of the reasons I started macro with the flies is too see the eyes . every species is different . that's wonderful nature. I went back to the tree today and that too, nature has given it more leaves. so hopefully now you can give it a name . http://egyptplants.blogspot.com/2010/03/unknown.html
Thanks Ken. I have wondered at the purpose for them too after all, you only need one set of eyes. An interesting question though and I wonder if anyone has the answer to it.
30 comments:
Brilliant pictures how do you get them so clear - wish I could take photos like that! Diane
Except for the eyes these look like the drone fly or bulb fly found here in the summer. Most are larger than a honeybee but are similar in all other ways. See them here on my Flickr account.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldmanlincoln/4416953654/
Very cool eyes! I love the stripes!
So cool! They're almost like zebra print eyes!
Those are the coolest eyes EVER! Fantastic captures, Joan! You got some great details in here, the eyes are just the beginning.
Hope you had a fantastic weekend!
Stunning eyes indeed.
I always ask to myself what do they see.
I gotta get me some zebra sunglasses--just like that!
Wow..what interesting eyes you have indeed..I know you are Gaelyn are out in the bush somewhere....
Wow! a sheep in wolves clothing. Looks like he could put a "mojo" on you with those eyes.
Joan: Love the little critter.
Harmless or not, I won't take a chance.
One of the reasons I started macro with the flies is too see the eyes . every species is different . that's wonderful nature.
I went back to the tree today and that too, nature has given it more leaves. so hopefully now you can give it a name . http://egyptplants.blogspot.com/2010/03/unknown.html
Those eyes are so different, and I'm wondering if this creature can see in 1000 different directions?
B.
Did a good job on those photos Joan. I oftentimes wonder about eyes like that, why they appear as they do or is there some other reason. Dunno? : )
It just takes a bit of practice Diane and a camera which is good at macro. :) This little Point and Shoot of mine does a GREAT job. :)
Thats interesting Abe. Thanks for the info and the link. This one is about the same size as a normal bee.
Thanks Mary. Those eyes are most disctinctive.
LOL!! A great description Leeloo. :)
Thanks Krista. The eyes were what caught my attention in the first place. A very interesting pattern indeed.
I wonder that too Andrea. Seeing a few hundred of me all at the same time must have been scary for him. :)
Don't be a copycat Craver, come up with your own ideas. LOL!! Maybe polka dots? :)
We sure had a great time Michelle. A pity it had to end. :)
LOL!! Seems like it Mike, like Mr. Hiss in Jungle Book. :)
Thanks Tom. Kind of cute. :)
Come now Jonker, if I can touch all these scary critters, so can you. :)
An interesting reason to start macro Tony. :)
I will go and see if I can id that tree for you and leave you a comment.
Probably ust multiple images of the same thing Becky but I imagine it must be hell trying to figure out which one to sting. LOL!!
Thanks Ken. I have wondered at the purpose for them too after all, you only need one set of eyes. An interesting question though and I wonder if anyone has the answer to it.
Fantastic eyes!
Thanks Jose, they are amazing.
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